by Jessica Gillette | Jan 5, 2026
LEVERAGE FEEDBACK TO BUILD ENGAGEMENT AND LOYALTY • LUNCH & LEARN
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | 11:30AM – 1:00PM
In times of change – whether in our services or our internal culture – feedback is one of the most powerful tools we have to improve performance and engagement.
Giving and receiving feedback is a skill worth developing. How often have you struggled with giving members of your team feedback? What kind of feedback do you think is important to others? How often do you ask for feedback? These are the kind of questions supervisors and others should be asking themselves.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
• Understand what drives how feedback is received.
• Analyze your own feedback skills you use with your team.
• Learn techniques for giving feedback effectively.
• Understand the value of receiving feedback from others.
• Identify communications breakdowns and barriers when receiving feedback.
• Establish four key communications skills to build better feedback.
INSTRUCTOR
Susan Long-Molnar, President, Managing Communications – Susan Long-Molnar is a lifelong professional communicator with over 35 years of experience assisting business owners and their employees to communicate effectively so they exceed their business goals. Susan graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a B.A. in Theatre Arts/Communications and a minor in English. She began a teaching career in 1976 after moving to Virginia Beach to teach at Princess Anne High School. After five years of entrepreneurship, she began an 11-year corporate jaunt in communications management, first at Sentara, followed by Cox Communications, then USAA and many other well-known brands.
LOCATION
ABC-VA Hampton Roads Training Facility
530 Independence Parkway, Suite 500, Chesapeake, VA 23320
COST
Members — $95
Non-members — $125
Lunch provided
CANCELLATION POLICY
Please note that a reservation constitutes a financial commitment unless cancellations are made 48 hours in advance. Substitutions are welcome at any time if the originally registered individual(s) are no longer available.
COURSE CONTACT
Contact Meredith Strahan
by Jessica Gillette | Dec 22, 2025
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS: SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER PANEL DISCUSSION & SOCIAL HOUR
Tuesday, January 13, 2026 | 5:00PM – 7:00PM
Start the year strong with our first Young Professionals event! Get the inside scoop from experienced Senior Project Managers on how they launched their careers and where those paths have taken them. Then we’ll dive into a lively Q&A – no questions are off limits!
SCHEDULE
5pm-6pm: Panel
6pm-7pm: Networking
PANELISTS
Robert Hudson, Heartland Construction
Amanda Magee, Etolin Strait
Justin Holbrook, MEB
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Event $250 – includes two (2) tickets, signage at event, logo/name on marketing materials
SPONSORS – THANK YOU!
LOCATION
MEB
4016 Holland Boulevard, Chesapeake, Virginia 23323
COST (Members Only)
Young Professionals: $30
SUBSTITUTIONS/CANCELLATIONS POLICY
Substitutions are welcome at any time if the originally registered individual(s) can no longer attend. Cancellations must be made within 48 hours of event.
Questions?
Contact Maddy Goulden
by Jessica Gillette | Nov 12, 2025
TIME MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES – VIRTUAL WORKSHOP WITH JAMIE VANEK
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 | 10:00AM – 11:00AM
You don’t need an hour-long morning routine to be successful. But you do have to be intentional and have a plan that actually works for you.
In this practical, results-driven workshop, you’ll:
• Design a morning routine that aligns with your energy, priorities, and goals.
• Learn how small evening habits can set the tone for a productive tomorrow.
• Identify what to start, stop, and continue to eliminate time-wasters and boost efficiency.
• Develop strategies to manage your inbox and technology so you stay focused—not reactive.
• Leave with a clear plan to approach each day with more focus, energy, and control.
You’ll walk away with personalized strategies to get more done – before most people even get started.
Please note: registration will close Tuesday, December 9, at 4PM.
SPEAKER
Jamie Vanek, President, Etolin Strait Development Group, ANC 8(a) – From Art Teacher to Construction Executive: While formally trained in education, Jamie discovered her love for construction when she moved from Pennsylvania to Virginia in 2006. She has worked her way through the construction industry working in both the administrative and operation sides of the industry, managing projects from $10K to $10M and teams across the country. As a female leader in construction, she is passionate about breaking down barriers and supporting a diverse workforce.
LOCATION
Virtual
A meeting link will be sent to registered attendees within 24 hours of webinar.
COST
Members $25
Non-members $35
CANCELLATION POLICY
Please note that a reservation constitutes a financial commitment unless cancellations are made 48 hours in advance.
Questions?
Contact Jamie Carrow
by Jessica Gillette | Nov 11, 2025
BUILDING LEADERS: CREW MANAGEMENT
Begins Tuesday, February 17, 2026 | 5:00PM – 8:00PM
Embark on a journey to redefine the landscape of construction leadership! Whether you refer to them as crew leaders, foremen, or field supervisors, their role is the heartbeat of project success. Join us for an immersive experience that transcends traditional training, shaping front-line supervisors into strategic project maestros.
You’ll Learn How To…
• Refine leadership skills that go beyond the ordinary
• Master the art of effective communication, both within the team and with clients
• Ignite motivation that fuels exceptional project outcomes
• Immerse yourself in safety regulations and learn how crew leaders can champion safety on-site
• Demystify cost estimating, budgeting, and resource control for optimized project success
• Equip yourself with problem-solving prowess and decision-making finesse
Recommended for Crew Leaders, Foremen, Field Supervisors, Front Line Supervisors, and the like.
Topics Covered
• Leadership Skills
• Communications
• Motivation
• Team Building
• Problem Solving and Decision Making
• Safety Regulations
• Crew Leader Involvement in Safety
• Promoting Safety
• Project Control and Delivery Systems
• Cost Estimating and Budgeting
• Planning Process and Resources
• Scheduling
• Cost Control
• Resource Control
• Production and Productivity
Please register by Tuesday, February 10.
SCHEDULE
Five-session Course (Tuesdays)
February 17, 24, March 3, 10, 17
5:00PM – 8:00PM
LOCATION
ABC-VA Central Virginia Training Facility
1600 East Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23228
COST
Members: $350
Non-Members: $475
SUBSTITUTION/CANCELLATION POLICY
Substitutions are welcome at any time if the originally registered individual(s) can no longer attend. Please note: a reservation constitutes a financial commitment unless cancellations are made 48 hours before the training.
Questions?
Contact Sherrie Dickerson
by Jessica Gillette | Sep 22, 2025
ABC REGIONAL CONSTRUCTION SUMMIT: LEADERSHIP & TECHNOLOGY FOR BETTER BUSINESS
Thursday, February 12, 2026 | 8:00AM – 4:30PM | MD Live! Casino, Hanover, MD
PLEASE NOTE: REGISTRATION IS THROUGH ABC GREATER BALTIMORE (CLICK HERE)
The 2026 ABC Regional Construction Summit, co-hosted by ABC Chesapeake Shores, ABC Greater Baltimore, ABC of Metro Washington, and ABC Virginia is the premier networking and educational conference of the year! We guarantee there is content for every type of member and employee.
At this day-long conference, we will bring in dynamic speakers featuring the region’s most forward-thinking companies for an opportunity to meet, collaborate, and learn how we can expect this industry to be changing and how we can be on the forefront of leadership, technological advances, and safety preparedness. Don’t miss out on this one-day conference of educational sessions, exhibitors & networking!
AGENDA
8am – Registration, Breakfast & Exhibitor Hall (Click here to see full list of exhibitors)
9:30am – Morning Keynote Speaker
10:45am – Breakout Session #1 (choice of 4 topics/speakers)
11:45am – Breakout Session #2 (choice of 4 topics/speakers)
12:30pm – Lunch & Lunch Keynote Speaker
1:45pm – Afternoon Break/Exhibitor Hall (click here to see full list of exhibitors)
2:15pm – Legacy of Leadership Fireside Chat (one general session)
3:00 pm to 4:30 pm – Happy Hour, Networking, Exhibitor Hall
OPENING KEYNOTE
“Building Smarter: Leveraging AI for Construction Innovation”
Micah Rodman, CEO & Co-Founder of KOJO
BREAKOUT SESSIONS #1 (choose one)
- “BIM in Practice: Misconceptions, Value, and Real-World Outcomes” – A Panel Discussion
- “Wage Misclassification and Labor Laws Update,” Marc Furman of Cohen Seglias Pallas Greenhall & Furman, P.C.
- “Aligning Operations for Growth: The CEO-COO Mindset,” Diane Mentzer of Diane Integrates, LLC
- “From Contacts to Clients: Networking Skills That Fuel Business Development,” Diane Darling
BREAKOUT SESSIONS #2 (choose one)
- “Hierarchy of Controls/JHA Hazard Assessment” – A Safety Panel Discussion
- “Building Your Team: Strategies to Strengthen Tomorrow’s Workforce,” DeAnna Thomas, ABC National
- “Building Intelligence: AI’s Role, Risk and Future in the Built Environment,” Andrew Gregg, Bean, Kinney, and Korman
- “DC Insider: Federal Policy Outlook and What it Means for Your Business,” with Ben Brubeck, Principal & CEO, Government Affairs Solutions, LLC
LUNCH KEYNOTE
“The People Puzzle: Managing Difficult Personalities and Across Generations”
Diane Darling, Author, Keynote Speaker & Consultant
BREAKOUT SESSION #3 (All Attendees)
“Legacy of Leadership Fireside Chat” featuring
Lynn Stith Bennett CEO, Coakley & Williams Construction (CWC)
Dolores Navia VP, Real Estate Development, JBG Smith
Leigh Press President, PCC Construction Components, Inc.
Jerry Shapiro President, Shapiro & Duncan, Inc.
Michael Bellaman CEO, ABC National
LOCATION
Maryland Live! Casino & Hotel
7002 Arundel Mills Cir Ste 7777, Hanover, MD 21076
COST
Early Bird (until 1/16/2026) – $199
Regular – $225
Non-Members – $375
SUBSTITUTIONS/CANCELLATIONS
Substitutions are welcome at any time if the originally registered individual(s) can no longer attend. Written notice must be submitted by 5PM on Friday, February 6, 2026, to receive a refund.
QUESTIONS?
Contact Jess Gillette, CPSM
